Root Canals

Lifetime Family Dental

6 months ago

Hearing the words “root canal” can create all sorts of negative expectations, including the assumption that the process involved will be quite painful. But the suffering caused from infection in a tooth is actually the greater source of pain. In reality, the root canal procedure is a wonderful invention of modern dentistry that brings welcomed relief. And more than ninety percent of the time, a root canal with Lifetime Family Dental is a gentle experience with limited to no discomfort and pain.

What is a Root Canal?

Beneath the outer white enamel layer and the secondary dentin layer is a soft tissue called pulp. The dental pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that assist in the growth of the root of the tooth. When a patient has a cavity or a tooth fracture, it can allow bacteria to penetrate the pulp and cause infection or an abscess. The infection can then spread into the root canals of the tooth and into the surrounding gum tissue. Inflammation of the nerve and the area around the nerve can occur, resulting in significant pain.

Symptoms of Infection or Inflammation in the Root Area of a Tooth:

Some symptoms may include:

*Swelling in the jaw that may spread to face or neck
*Drainage from a abscess
*Sensitivity to hot or cold

These are just a few of the possible symptoms. If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth or gums, contact Dr. Norton at Lifetime Family Dental and schedule an examination of the tooth to avoid further damage, infection, or pain.

What is the Treatment for this Type of Infection or Abscess?

A root canal may be the best option to treat and save a tooth that is badly decayed or highly infected. Root canal treatment is a minimally invasive dental surgery that brings relief from an abscess or infection that has spread through the pulp of a tooth into the root canal area. The procedure usually takes about an hour to perform and is done using a local anesthetic. Dr. Norton first opens up a hole in the tooth to access the nerve canals. The infected pulp is then removed and the nerve canals are gently cleaned and sterilized. The inside of the tooth may be washed out with an antibacterial solution. Finally, root canals that go down to the base of the tooth are sealed with dental putty for further stabilization, as well as for prevention of future infections.

To learn more about root canals or ask questions about the procedure, contact Lifetime Family Dental today!